The Gary/Chicago International Airport said Thursday it received an additional $8.3 million federal grant toward construction of a new air traffic control tower.
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The award, from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s airport improvement program, marks the final funding component for the project, officials said in a release.
In May, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded a $10 million grant toward the tower’s construction.
The new tower will be located near the existing tower that’s been in operation since 1972.
The FAA grant is part of a program to provide airports with modernized air traffic control facilities.
In June, the airport authority awarded a $16 million contract to Larson-Danielson Construction, of LaPorte, for the construction of the new control tower.
Officials said the two federal awards provide the full $18.3 million needed to construct the new tower. Construction is expected to begin soon and will employ about 120 skilled trade workers over an estimated 24,000 construction hours. The project is anticipated to be completed by late 2027.
“This $8.3 million grant represents the successful completion of a process that began several years ago to ensure GCIA has the most modern infrastructure possible to support future aviation growth,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari.
“Over the past decade, GCIA has made significant investments to modernize our infrastructure, and replacing our current tower has remained a key priority to ensure we are equipped to meet the demands of modern aviation.”
Vicari singled out U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, for his continued support in the grant process.
The $8.3 million grant is the culmination of a multi-year process that began in 2022.
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The airport’s existing tower is still functional, but officials said it’s becoming increasingly obsolete and inefficient.
Mrvan thanked Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, airport leaders and the federal transportation department for the investment.
“I appreciate the consistent long-term planning and initiatives of the airport to enhance its infrastructure and services, which will continue to attract new economic activity to the City of Gary and our region. Let us build on this positive momentum to create more work and wealth for everyone in Northwest Indiana,” he said.
The new tower will be about 50 feet taller than the existing structure and will feature modern technologies designed to improve visibility, communications, operational efficiency and safety for air traffic controllers and airport users.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.